Friday, March 30, 2012
New Classes at the MPC
There are two upcoming classes being offered at the MPC on HDR and Photogravure. Click on the image below for more details, and for a complete listing of all courses being offered go to: MPC Education.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Purely Paper Art Opening
I received word of an art opening this Friday March 30th at the Flow Art Space in Northeast Minneapolis. It features a number of artists including Cynthia Fleury who has the only photographic image in the show.
Below is a copy of the invitation that includes the opening times and gallery location. It is always fun to hear out to Nordeast, so plan on visiting the gallery, or make the opening reception.
Below is a copy of the invitation that includes the opening times and gallery location. It is always fun to hear out to Nordeast, so plan on visiting the gallery, or make the opening reception.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Digital Camera Sensor Sizes
If you are considering a new camera system, or just want to know more about what others are using, this is the article for you. Cambridge in Color has done a great job in explaining reasons behind the weight and size decisions behind large format, full frame, crop, m4/3 and other common systems. Knowing how the different systems work will help you find the right one for you and understand the limitations inherent in each system.
"This article aims to address the question: how does your digital camera's sensor size influence different types of photography? Your choice of sensor size is analogous to choosing between 35 mm, medium format and large format film cameras — with a few notable differences unique to digital technology. Much confusion often arises on this topic because there are both so many different size options, and so many trade-offs relating to depth of field, image noise, diffraction, cost and size/weight." - Cambridge in Color
I hope you find this helpful.
"This article aims to address the question: how does your digital camera's sensor size influence different types of photography? Your choice of sensor size is analogous to choosing between 35 mm, medium format and large format film cameras — with a few notable differences unique to digital technology. Much confusion often arises on this topic because there are both so many different size options, and so many trade-offs relating to depth of field, image noise, diffraction, cost and size/weight." - Cambridge in Color
I hope you find this helpful.
2012-2013 McKnight Artist Fellowships for Photographers
2012-2013 McKnight Artist Fellowships for Photographers
2012-2013 application cycle for McKnight Artist Fellowships for Photographers is open and accepting applications through 5pm on Friday, March 30, 2012.
About the Fellowship
The mnartists.org and McKnight Artist Fellowships for Photographers supports mid-career artists residing in Minnesota who use photography as a primary means of creative, personal expression. The $25,000 fellowships awarded in June 2012 enable four artists to study, reflect, experiment, and explore over a twelve-month period with the support and assistance from mnartists.org and the McKnight Foundation. Panel decisions are based primarily on the presence and promise of excellence in work samples; a plan of activities for the fellowship year will also be reviewed, along with resume (to determine career status).
Work created during the fellowship year will be featured in a public exhibition and catalog. Fellows will also participate in a public presentation about their new work, online exhibition on mnartists.org, and opportunities to work with mnartists.org's educational and outreach programming. Fellows will have additional opportunities to consult with review panelists and local and national curators during the fellowship year.
For more information
or to apply, please visit www.mcknightphoto.org.
2012-2013 application cycle for McKnight Artist Fellowships for Photographers is open and accepting applications through 5pm on Friday, March 30, 2012.
About the Fellowship
The mnartists.org and McKnight Artist Fellowships for Photographers supports mid-career artists residing in Minnesota who use photography as a primary means of creative, personal expression. The $25,000 fellowships awarded in June 2012 enable four artists to study, reflect, experiment, and explore over a twelve-month period with the support and assistance from mnartists.org and the McKnight Foundation. Panel decisions are based primarily on the presence and promise of excellence in work samples; a plan of activities for the fellowship year will also be reviewed, along with resume (to determine career status).
Work created during the fellowship year will be featured in a public exhibition and catalog. Fellows will also participate in a public presentation about their new work, online exhibition on mnartists.org, and opportunities to work with mnartists.org's educational and outreach programming. Fellows will have additional opportunities to consult with review panelists and local and national curators during the fellowship year.
Lightroom Front to Back - with Rikk Flohr
Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 6:30 PM
With Rikk Flohr at TCPG Studio: Price: $44.50/per person
- click here to sign up -
2500 University Avenue
Studio S8
St. Paul, MN (map)
Come through the green door!
"This 2.5-hour course is designed to cover the basics of Digital Asset Management using Lightroom as the primary tool. If you are considering Lightroom, just purchased Lightroom or are struggling using the program, this class is designed for you. We will discuss in-depth:
• RAW, JPEG and DNG file formats
• Image Transfer and Disk/Folder Management Strategies
• Key Differences between Lightroom and Photoshop/Elements
• including what you can do with one that you cannot do with the other, and which program is probably best for you at this stage in your photography.
• Managing a library of images including managing clients, stock photography, geo-coding and your fine art photography.
• Developing your files for maximum impact.
• Displaying your files on screen and for projection.
• Outputting your files for print at a lab or printing on your own printer.
• Putting your images on the web.
• Creating Books"
Rikk also has a class on photographing hummingbirds: - click here to sign up for the hummingbird class
With Rikk Flohr at TCPG Studio: Price: $44.50/per person
- click here to sign up -
2500 University Avenue
Studio S8
St. Paul, MN (map)
Come through the green door!
"This 2.5-hour course is designed to cover the basics of Digital Asset Management using Lightroom as the primary tool. If you are considering Lightroom, just purchased Lightroom or are struggling using the program, this class is designed for you. We will discuss in-depth:
• RAW, JPEG and DNG file formats
• Image Transfer and Disk/Folder Management Strategies
• Key Differences between Lightroom and Photoshop/Elements
• including what you can do with one that you cannot do with the other, and which program is probably best for you at this stage in your photography.
• Managing a library of images including managing clients, stock photography, geo-coding and your fine art photography.
• Developing your files for maximum impact.
• Displaying your files on screen and for projection.
• Outputting your files for print at a lab or printing on your own printer.
• Putting your images on the web.
• Creating Books"
Rikk also has a class on photographing hummingbirds: - click here to sign up for the hummingbird class
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The Cat
A great big cuddly cat!
I don't know who shot this, but I hope the cat didn't eat the guy later.
I don't know who shot this, but I hope the cat didn't eat the guy later.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Pentax K-01 Mirrorless
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/pentaxk01/: Preview based on a pre-production Pentax K-01. For those into mirrorless and Pentax, here is an upcoming opportunity to look over.
16MP APS-C
6 frame per second shooting
Built-in image stabilization
Lens distortion and chromatic aberration correction
1080p video (30, 25 or 24)
Microphone socket with adjustable volume level
MF focus assist 'peaking'
Built-in HDR
Comments welcome!
Comments welcome!
Marjorie Carr's first shared photo of her trip
Taking a DAYtime break along the Dalton Highway and the Brooks Range after shooting the northern lights until 3am Really worth the trip. - Marjorie
It appears so, Marjorie, indeed!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Photoshop CS6 Beta is available
Lynda.com has previews of CS6 available. Downloads are also available (see paragraph below) but be sure and install as a separate version so your current Photoshop version remains safe and working.
"Today (3/22/12) Adobe announced the availability of a public beta test of Photoshop CS6, which will be available for testing purposes (the full version, including 3-D stuff) for a limited period (which might be 60 days, though I haven't seen a comment about the interval). Anyone can get a "beta" copy of this to run on their computer. You do not have to remove previous versions of PS. There are new limits on the operating system environment - I don't know about the Apple side of this, but CS6 does not work under Windows XP (CS5 did). There are videos about the new features at the NAPP site (www.photoshopuser.com/cs6). There are at least two download sites. One is http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/photoshopcs6.html. I recommend that everyone try the CS6 beta in order to make better decisions about purchase when that happens - whether to purchase is an important question these days since Adobe previously announced that after this introduction, you can only upgrade Photoshop from the immediately previous version, so that if you skip this upgrade and later want CS7, you would pay full price. I also recommend trying not only the new things but also things that you normally do and report any problems that you find (there is a pointer to the bug reporting site in the first screens that you see when you start it up) - after all, that is one purpose of testing. But in this case I think the other Adobe purpose is enhancing sales. Everyone HAVE FUN!! (Adobe had fun also - since this is the thirteenth version of Photoshop, this test version is named "Superstition" and has a black cat logo on the splash screen.)" - Richard Kain
"Today (3/22/12) Adobe announced the availability of a public beta test of Photoshop CS6, which will be available for testing purposes (the full version, including 3-D stuff) for a limited period (which might be 60 days, though I haven't seen a comment about the interval). Anyone can get a "beta" copy of this to run on their computer. You do not have to remove previous versions of PS. There are new limits on the operating system environment - I don't know about the Apple side of this, but CS6 does not work under Windows XP (CS5 did). There are videos about the new features at the NAPP site (www.photoshopuser.com/cs6). There are at least two download sites. One is http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/photoshopcs6.html. I recommend that everyone try the CS6 beta in order to make better decisions about purchase when that happens - whether to purchase is an important question these days since Adobe previously announced that after this introduction, you can only upgrade Photoshop from the immediately previous version, so that if you skip this upgrade and later want CS7, you would pay full price. I also recommend trying not only the new things but also things that you normally do and report any problems that you find (there is a pointer to the bug reporting site in the first screens that you see when you start it up) - after all, that is one purpose of testing. But in this case I think the other Adobe purpose is enhancing sales. Everyone HAVE FUN!! (Adobe had fun also - since this is the thirteenth version of Photoshop, this test version is named "Superstition" and has a black cat logo on the splash screen.)" - Richard Kain
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Camera Bags for Women
Hate the bags that scream 'camera'? Well, there are options - bags are now being designed for women who want a different look and a bit more day-to-day style that allows you to carry your camera and important personal items more often. A couple of years ago I was at the Camera Council's Spring Break and picked up a Jill-e bag from West Photo, who displayed as a vendor (and who will be on hand again this weekend at Spring Break). I love it and still use it. I just spoke with Kyle at West Photo and he tells me they still show a line of Jill-e at the store and hopes to have a couple on hand this weekend.
There are lots of styles to peruse, but Jill-e is not the only game available for women. A blog called VeraLana has a done some research and published a rather full list of options: "cute camera bags". Not all are 'cute', some options are more neutral and are also designed with the discriminating male in mind (more 'messenger' style). This is my bag, but there are more that look more like the normal handbag and no one would know.
Whatever your choice, in today's world, a bag that doesn't scream 'camera' can be a useful option.
UPDATE: if you don't like the camera bags you see online, there is also the option of 'inserts' that can be placed inside of any messenger bag or favorite purse. Search the internet or select online stores for "camera insert" and DIY it.
Other camera bags that don't scream 'camera'
There are lots of styles to peruse, but Jill-e is not the only game available for women. A blog called VeraLana has a done some research and published a rather full list of options: "cute camera bags". Not all are 'cute', some options are more neutral and are also designed with the discriminating male in mind (more 'messenger' style). This is my bag, but there are more that look more like the normal handbag and no one would know.
UPDATE: if you don't like the camera bags you see online, there is also the option of 'inserts' that can be placed inside of any messenger bag or favorite purse. Search the internet or select online stores for "camera insert" and DIY it.
Other camera bags that don't scream 'camera'
Monday, March 19, 2012
Calling all Gearheads
While searching out a small ballhead for my NEX 7 compact camera I came across this beast on the Photo Claim website in Korea. It looks like a Borg ship from Star Trek with a lot of rotating dials.
It allows the user to adjust the center of gravity for the lens in use on the camera. It weighs 2 lbs, and has adjustment controls on top, in the middle and on the bottom. It looks large and complex enough to play music, makes phone calls and calculate pi among other things when not being used for its intended purpose.
To see this ballhead in use go to: Photoclam
It allows the user to adjust the center of gravity for the lens in use on the camera. It weighs 2 lbs, and has adjustment controls on top, in the middle and on the bottom. It looks large and complex enough to play music, makes phone calls and calculate pi among other things when not being used for its intended purpose.
To see this ballhead in use go to: Photoclam
Sunday, March 18, 2012
For those interested in Micro Four Thirds as a main system or as a second system, here is a list posted on DPREVIEW of the current lenses and lenses due to be released in 2012. The new Panasonic and Olympus cameras and lenses will be excellent additions to photo kits as full time or travel use. The new Sony NEX-7 is another excellent choice.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Plymouth Art Council Exhibition
John Olson of the Crosstown Club, among others, recently had three images accepted for exhibit in the juried 16th Annual Primavera Spring Time Fine Art Exhibition put on by the Plymouth Center for the Arts. Below are the three images that were accepted and John's description of how and why they were taken:
"Four years ago, I decided to start to take advantage of my proximity to Timber Shores Park near Bass Lake. The goal was to experiment within the confines of using only one lens. My lens of choice was the Tamron SP AF Aspherical Di II LD IF 11-18mm. It is a very sharp lens and fun to shoot. I have always favored the wide angle, my favorite being my Nikon 20mm f/2.8, which I used when I shot film. But using a cropped frame camera it only got me to 30mm, so I switched to the Tamron for this project.
The other approach that I wanted to take was in post processing. I wanted to blend some of the smaller detailed colors so that there was limited definition between each color. I tried to maintain detail in some of the major elements of the landscape such as tree trunks in the foreground of the image. The filter that got me where I wanted to get to was Nik Color Efx Pro Polaroid filter, which I applied very selectively. The edging was done using my own brush technique.
A few weeks ago, Cynthia Fleury talked me into submitting my work to the Plymouth Arts Council for their Primavera Springtime Celebration of the Arts. All forms of art would be judged for admission to their exhibit. I only had a few days to submit. so I thought that my Timber Shores images would be appropriate. Usually, I advise people to submit a variety of work in case the judges are biased toward one subject, then all your submissions may not be rejected. But for this submission, I felt that the three images worked together well and I took a chance hoping if they liked one they would select all three. My gamble paid off, when I was notified a couple days ago that all three were selected.
Below is the schedule of events for the Plymouth Exhibit:
Friday, April 13th 5-9pm
Opening Reception Friday at the Plymouth Creek Center
Musical Entertainment; Awards Presentation
Saturday, April 14
Exhibit Open 10am - 7pm
Musical Entertainment 1 - 7pm
Theatre Production - Art 7pm
Sunday, April 15
Exhibit Open 11am - 7pm
Children's Activities 2:30 pm
Theatre Production - Art 3pm
Musical Entertainment 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Literary Night 6:30pm
Monday, April 16
Exhibit Open 10am - 4pm
More information available at www.plymouthartscouncil.org
"Four years ago, I decided to start to take advantage of my proximity to Timber Shores Park near Bass Lake. The goal was to experiment within the confines of using only one lens. My lens of choice was the Tamron SP AF Aspherical Di II LD IF 11-18mm. It is a very sharp lens and fun to shoot. I have always favored the wide angle, my favorite being my Nikon 20mm f/2.8, which I used when I shot film. But using a cropped frame camera it only got me to 30mm, so I switched to the Tamron for this project.
The other approach that I wanted to take was in post processing. I wanted to blend some of the smaller detailed colors so that there was limited definition between each color. I tried to maintain detail in some of the major elements of the landscape such as tree trunks in the foreground of the image. The filter that got me where I wanted to get to was Nik Color Efx Pro Polaroid filter, which I applied very selectively. The edging was done using my own brush technique.
A few weeks ago, Cynthia Fleury talked me into submitting my work to the Plymouth Arts Council for their Primavera Springtime Celebration of the Arts. All forms of art would be judged for admission to their exhibit. I only had a few days to submit. so I thought that my Timber Shores images would be appropriate. Usually, I advise people to submit a variety of work in case the judges are biased toward one subject, then all your submissions may not be rejected. But for this submission, I felt that the three images worked together well and I took a chance hoping if they liked one they would select all three. My gamble paid off, when I was notified a couple days ago that all three were selected.
Below is the schedule of events for the Plymouth Exhibit:
Friday, April 13th 5-9pm
Opening Reception Friday at the Plymouth Creek Center
Musical Entertainment; Awards Presentation
Saturday, April 14
Exhibit Open 10am - 7pm
Musical Entertainment 1 - 7pm
Theatre Production - Art 7pm
Sunday, April 15
Exhibit Open 11am - 7pm
Children's Activities 2:30 pm
Theatre Production - Art 3pm
Musical Entertainment 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Literary Night 6:30pm
Monday, April 16
Exhibit Open 10am - 4pm
More information available at www.plymouthartscouncil.org
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Jpeg vs Raw - an updated view
The Jpeg vs Raw discussion is again on the table due to new in-camera processing by Canon, Nikon, Fuji and other camera system (even MFT). The Online Photographer is a good place to start but we will post other links as we find them. PSCS and Paint Shop Pro aren't going anywhere soon, but it certainly explains the interest in Lightroom and Aperture. If Jpeg is being processed so well in-camera, and it is easier to do small adjustments in Lightroom and Aperture, then why spend a lot of time in bigger and more expensive programs for normal, day to day imaging. Keep the big guns for special, more arty images and let LTRM and Aperture do the heavy lifting.
For balance, be sure and read the comments. Most of the responders are skilled and offer alternative information that will be helpful.
For balance, be sure and read the comments. Most of the responders are skilled and offer alternative information that will be helpful.
Free Photography Book on Kindle
Amazon.com: Tony Northrup's
DSLR Book: How to Create Stunning Digital Photography eBook: Tony Northrup,
Chelsea Knowles: Kindle Store
I don't know much about it, but it's free for now.
I don't know much about it, but it's free for now.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
the new iPad
New iPad - improved for images - video showing the that images can now be edited on the iPad. Not sure how practical that will be, but if its true those heavy into tablets will be happy. And they say the iPad2 will drop in price - great for those on the edge and up to now just thinking about getting into the table world.
Viovio's Photographer of the Month! Linda Rutherford
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Exhibition Openings at the MPC
This Friday there are two exhibits scheduled to open at the Minneapolis Photo Center. One a black and white exhibit called the Absence of Color and the other featuring selected work of Ross Andersson.
Click on the image below for more information, or go to: MPC
Click on the image below for more information, or go to: MPC
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
No One Cares How Hard You Worked
"If someone already likes your photograph, how hard you worked doesn't matter. If they don't, telling them how hard you worked is not going to change their mind." Ctein (www.ctein.com)
A good thing to remember.
A good thing to remember.
Lightroom 4 being released
For more ino, see the links below - and numerous others will be showing up over the next day or so:
bhphotovideo.com
adorama.com
bhphotovideo.com
adorama.com
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Lytro Light Field Camera (updated)
There is a review of this tiny device on DP Review and suggestions that it may have a big future - 'may' being the operative word here since it is an odd little item that allows one to change the focus point in an image after it has been taken. As much as I am taken aback by the strangeness of the device, it is just the very thing that could in the next few years take the world by storm....the 'next great thing', as they say. At the very least, fun to watch.
Click on the link to read the review and watch the video: DP Review of the Lytro
Internal view of the Lytro
Click on the link to read the review and watch the video: DP Review of the Lytro
Internal view of the Lytro
Friday, March 2, 2012
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Pre-order
Now available for pre-order, the Canon 5D Mark III - at a mere $3,499.00. Product Highlights:
- 22.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- 3.2" Clear View High Resolution LCD
- DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
- 61-Point High Density AF
- Full HD 1080/30p and 720/60p Formats
- Built-In HDR and Multiple Exposure Modes
- Extended ISO Range (50-102400)
- Up to 6.0 FPS Continuous Mode
- Dual CF and SD Memory Card Slots
- Durable Magnesium-Alloy Construction
This is the body only, but Canon has some new lenses coming out as well, along with a new flash. The flash is the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT at $629.00.
It is all a bit over the top for this blogger, but I am sure a lot of you will jump on the bandwagon. But be aware the products listed here are limited so pre-order through your favorite vendor ASAP if you want to use these in the high shooting season rapidly approaching.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Firefighters Hall and Museum
Local professional photographer Larry Grace Shot some images recently at firefighters museum that many people probably don’t realize is right in Northeast Minneapolis. It is called the Bill and Bonnie Daniels Firefighters Hall and Museum and it’s located at 664 22nd Ave NE, about midway between University and Central Avenues.
The Firefighters Hall and Museum was made possible by a generous gift from retired Minneapolis Fire Captain Bill Daniels and his wife Bonnie, many private donations, and thousands of hours of volunteer time. Volunteers continue to donate their time to ensure these critical historical artifacts are not lost.
The Museum showcases and preserves a significant part of firefighting history. It contains a variety of vehicles, equipment, literature, and photographs related to firefighting and firefighters. Some of the items on permanent display are an 1894 steam fire engine, a 1919 American LaFrance ladder truck from Mankato, and a 1932 FWD pumper built by the Minneapolis Fire Department shop. There is also an established and rotating display of area fire collector vehicles.
The Firefighters Hall and Museum was made possible by a generous gift from retired Minneapolis Fire Captain Bill Daniels and his wife Bonnie, many private donations, and thousands of hours of volunteer time. Volunteers continue to donate their time to ensure these critical historical artifacts are not lost.
The Museum showcases and preserves a significant part of firefighting history. It contains a variety of vehicles, equipment, literature, and photographs related to firefighting and firefighters. Some of the items on permanent display are an 1894 steam fire engine, a 1919 American LaFrance ladder truck from Mankato, and a 1932 FWD pumper built by the Minneapolis Fire Department shop. There is also an established and rotating display of area fire collector vehicles.
The exhibits that the museum is most proud of are the ones built for the museums youngest visitors. There is a real fire pole to slide down and till trucks for the kids to drive! Together with other hands-on exhibits, Kids can experience what is like to be a real firefighter.
There is also an extensive library available for research on the subject of firefighting. It contains information on former Minneapolis and St. Paul firefighters and historical items dating back as far as the 1860′s, as well as, an extensive collection of firefighting literature.
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